Manchester City earned a well-deserved point as they made a comeback in a thrilling Premier League game against Liverpool. The 21-year-old midfielder, Phil Foden’s display against their arch-rivals was a testament of how the young midfielder has the ability to provide to the players around him and bridge the goal and assist gap while the club’s search for Aguero’s replacement continues.
The attacking midfielder created a number of chances for his team and is showing just how much he has matured over the past couple of seasons. Guardiola’s decision to play Grealish in a false nine role confused a lot of people as he has been more effective as a winger instead Foden was played in Grealish’s position and he hounded Liverpool defenders for the entirety of the game.
Manchester City dominated the match for most of the first half and it was none other than Foden who produced the best-attacking display out of all the Manchester City players. Last season he scored nine goals and added a further five assists in 28 appearances in the Premier League. Since making his return this season, he has put on brilliant performances one after the other. Former City player James Milner saw perhaps how deadly Foden was with his dribbles as he struggled to keep up with him.
Let’s analyze Foden’s stats in the recent games in order to understand just how threatening he has been.
In the recent game, Foden was one of the best players on the pitch as indicated by the above stats. He had the second-best xG in the match while he was placed third in both the number of shots and dribbles.
Foden has been effective in his attacking and creativity, the majority of his attacking stats surpass the median league value. He is a huge threat in the attacking third, his dribbling ability and shooting accuracy make him a menace for the opposition defenders.
Foden has been brilliant in the passing and progression this season, his expected assist per 90, progressive run per 90 and crosses per 90, displays his ability to create chances for his team he surpasses the median league value in most of the metrics.
Foden’s pass map shows his ability to play a wide variety of passes from multiple areas of the pitch. He is specifically threatening in the opposition half as he is capable of delivering crosses in the opposition box.
Foden’s pass receive location indicates the area of the pitch where he drops to receive passes from his teammates. He occupies multiple areas in the opposition half to receive passes while he also drops deep in his own half in order to link up with his midfielders.
In Phil Foden, Manchester City have a young talent who can turn the game on their side. Over the years he has shown glimpses of what he might be able to produce consistently as he matures. In the recent game against Liverpool, Foden produced a brilliant display of attacking midfield play, drifting and cutting inside, turning the defenders on their heel and in the process, he claimed his dominance.
